How often should children see a dentist?

The first visit: by the first birthday

Children should see a dentist after their first tooth appears, and no later than their first birthday. At that first visit the dentist checks how the jaw and teeth are developing, looks for cavities and any injuries, and cleans the teeth. A young child can sit on your lap in the chair.

Why baby teeth deserve attention

Children have 20 baby teeth, and they do more than fill a smile. They let a child chew properly, speak clearly and grow in confidence, and they hold space for the adult teeth, which is why they are sometimes called nature's braces. If a baby tooth is lost to decay too early, the permanent teeth can come through crowded or out of position.

How often after that?

Many dentists recommend going back about every six months, but there's no single rule. The gap between check-ups depends on how healthy your child's teeth and gums are, and for children it can be as long as a year when the risk of problems is low. Your dentist will tell you what suits your child, and will want to see a child who is prone to cavities more often.

X-rays aren't usually needed in the early years. They tend to begin around age 5 or 6, when the adult teeth start to arrive.

Making visits easy

• Talk about the visit in a positive way and practise opening wide.
• Read a book or watch a video about going to the dentist.
• Choose a time when your child is well rested, not nap time, and give them a light meal first.
• If they cry, that's normal and nothing to worry about.

Looking after baby teeth at home

• Before teeth appear, wipe the gums gently with a damp cloth after meals.
• Once the first tooth comes through, brush twice a day with a smear of fluoride toothpaste about the size of a grain of rice.
• From age 3 to 6, use a pea-sized amount, and brush for about two minutes, twice a day.
• Spit out the toothpaste afterwards but don't rinse, so the fluoride stays on the teeth.
• Start flossing when two teeth touch, and keep sugary foods and drinks limited.